Mercy Estevez, LCSW

Therapeutic approaches for online care

Mercy most often uses client-centered methods that focus on listening and responding to what matters to the individual. This means the work starts with the client's goals, and the therapist follows their lead while offering reflections and practical suggestions. Client-centered work suits people who need space to make sense of feelings and decide next steps.

She also uses motivational interviewing to help people who feel stuck or unsure about change. That approach focuses on building motivation and resolving mixed feelings, which is useful for addiction, depression, and shifts in behavior. Solution-focused techniques are brought in to create short-term, achievable steps that build confidence and progress.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. Mercy will talk with the client about their needs, goals, and preferences and together decide which methods to try. The plan can change as work progresses and as different challenges arise.

Online sessions are offered by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different routines. Video calls work well for in-depth conversations, phone sessions can be simpler when bandwidth is limited, and text or chat can suit quick check-ins or people who prefer writing. These options make it easier to fit therapy into work, caregiving, or busy schedules while keeping the focus on practical progress.